Whether it's the opener or Saturday night's season finale against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the evaluation never stops for the Canadian. And what is currently made of some of the young defenders could have a huge impact on the future.
Players and coaches prefer not to talk too much about next year, because there is still work to be done in the final six games on the schedule. But everyone is well aware of how many defensemen will present themselves next training camp with a real chance to snag a spot on the Canadiens' blue line.
Of these youngsters, Kayden Guehle and Arber Cicaj are likely to have already taken control of their position next year. The first, logically, because of the superiority of his game and the responsibilities already placed on his shoulders; The second is because of the rare and crucial assets he brings to the defensive brigade.
Bothered by injuries, Gohle and Shikai missed Saturday's game against the Maple Leafs, which ended in a 4-2 loss. With just ten days left in the season, it is unknown if and when they will return to training.
In their absence, Jordan Harris, Jayden Strobel, and Justin Barron — who was recently called up from the Laval Rocket — will see their rotations increased against the Leafs. When we talk about players being evaluated, here are three that are at the heart of the question.
I found that they fought, that they fought. Gohli's presence would have helped us against a team like that, but it was an opportunity for the other players
remarked Martin St. Louis, with a sigh.
Overall I was okay with the way they played
Earlier this week, the head coach stated that Harris and Strobel through their performances were able to distance themselves from Jonathan Kovacevic, with whom there was some form of rotation earlier in the season. Against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, Harris played 24:14 minutes, among other things because he had to help make up for the loss of Gohle on the right flank. And on Saturday, against the Leafs, he was once again the second-most used Canadian defenseman behind Mike Matheson.
Sure, Matthew Kniss evaded Harris' coverage in front of the net on the Maple Leafs' third goal, but that had more to do with goaltender Samuel Montembault.
It was certainly big mouthfuls for Harris, who every time he was on the ice he had Mitch Marner and John Tavares on his hands, or William Nylander. On the other hand, it is a good indicator that he is being tested in such circumstances and that he is benefiting from his coach's trust at this stage of the season.
Strobel and Baron formed the third defensive pairing. Although we tried to spare them the toughest encounters, they were also victims of the Maple Leafs' juggernaut.
On the first goal, which resulted from a turnover by Joel Armia, both were wide of their goal when Max Domi slid in front of the Canadian's cage to deflect the shot. Regarding the fourth goal, which marked the end of Montembault’s evening, Baron committed a lot at the expense of Bobby McMahon after the latter passed the ball, and McMahon easily overtook him and then was alone in front of the goalkeeper, where he was able to present himself as a goal.
However, although each of these three young defensemen has been victimized in one way or another by the Leafs' offense, all three have highlighted certain aspects of their game.
Harris remains one of the team's most effective exit zone defenders. He holds the puck well and his first pass always hits the target. In Xhekaj's absence, it was Strobl who brought the most sandpaper to the defence. Twice, at the end of the first half, he met unceremoniously with giant Ryan Reeves, which helped send a signal that he would stop at nothing. His superiors will take note of this.
As for Barron, despite the two goals he conceded, he was on the ice for just seven Leafs shot attempts in nearly 16 minutes of 5-on-5 usage.
And at the end of the second half, with the Habs desperately trying to get back on track, it was he who was sent in to Matheson's right to help the first three score a goal. That's when Cole Caufield hit the mark with a brilliant move from Matheson around the opposition net.
However, the Leafs have already done a lot of damage during this clash.
I wish we weren't always in the position of having to come back after the second half“,text”:I wish we weren't always in the position of having to come back after the second period”}}”>I wish we weren't always in the position of having to come back after the second half
admitted Nick Suzuki, whose trio was once again excellent, but did not get the hoped-for attacking support from the other trio to make up the deficit.
Canadian defenseman Justin Barron (left) tries to block a shot from Maple Leafs forward Matthew Kniss on Saturday night at the Bell Centre.
Photography: Reuters/Eric Bolte
Barron is soon at a crossroads
Game scores don't matter right now, but the Canadiens staff is getting information on how their young players behave under pressure.
Harris and Strobel have hit their stride in Montreal, but Barron certainly feels like he's being watched.
“I was definitely disappointed when I was handed over [à Laval]There was no point in sulking, he said Saturday morning. It was still an opportunity for me to play more minutes in new situations and work on certain details in my game.
I hope I've made improvements that will help me become a better player here.“”,text”:”I hope I've made some improvements that will help me become a better player here.”}}”>I hope I've made improvements that will help me become a better player here
he added.
Not only has he just spent over two months at Laval, but he recently played with young right-handed defenders named David Reinbacher and Logan Maillox. Barron's constantly talks about competing internally, and for good reason. These final games on the Canadian's schedule, along with a potential playoff for the Rocket, could be the most crucial tests for his future.
The 22-year-old guard will be eligible for waivers starting next season and the organization certainly wouldn't want to lose him for nothing. One of two things: Either Barron starts the day by convincing his bosses that he will be one of Montreal's three right-handed defensemen next year, or the team concludes that it must explore new avenues.
It's a young blueliner learning in Montreal, and Reinbacher, Melo, Len Hutson and Adam Engstrom will all be looking to get a job. For some, it feels like the struggles of training camp have already begun.
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